Text Publishing congratulates Richard Newsome on winning the Esther Glen Award for his debut novel, The Billionaire’s Curse.

The Esther Glen Award is the oldest and one of the most prestigious literary awards in New Zealand. It recognises a distinguished contribution to literature for children aged 0-15, and past winners include Bernard Beckett, Elizabeth Knox, Margaret Mahy, Kate de Goldi, Maurice Gee and Tessa Duder.

This is the first time an Australian resident has ever been honoured: Richard, who was born in Wanganui, now lives in Brisbane.

The shortlist for the 2010 award included an impressive list of titles such as Joy Cowley’s Friends: Snake & Lizard and the winner of the 2010 NZ Post Book Award for Young Adult Fiction, The Crossing by Mandy Hager.

The Billionaire’s Curse is already an award-winner, having taken out the inaugural Text Prize in 2008. Its gripping sequel, The Emerald Casket, is out now.